Australian home market’s first test of the year
It’s the first big auction day of 2024 as the gap between apartment and house values widens
2 min
The Australian property market will undergo its first major test tomorrow when 1,700 capital city homes go under the hammer on the first significant auction day of the year. CoreLogic economist Kaytlin Ezzy said it will be the second biggest start to February on record behind 2022 when 1,779homes went to auction. In the country’s two biggest auction markets, there will be 608 auctions held in Melbourne and 591 in Sydney.
Ms Ezzy said auction clearance rates weakened to below-average levels toward the end of last year and tomorrow’s event would “help set the pace for the pre-Easter selling season and provide a timely test of buyer demand”.
She added: “This week’s results could help indicate whether the weaker selling condition seen towards the end of last year has persisted into 2023 or if sentiment has lifted with earlier expectations of rate cuts following [this week’s] inflation update.”
Australia’s median home value moved higher for the twelfth consecutive month in January, up 0.4 percent. This follows an 0.3 percent uplift in both November and December. However, price performance is mixed across the capital cities, with Perth once again delivering outstanding growth at 1.6 percent in January. CoreLogic research director, Tim Lawless explained: “The western capital continues to see housing demand outweigh supply, helping to push values 16.7 percent higher over the past 12 months. Despite that, housing prices remain relatively affordable compared with most capital cities, with the median dwelling value sitting just under $677,000.”
Adelaide home values lifted 1.1 percent in January, Brisbane prices rose by 1 percent and Sydney values moved up 0.2 percent. Conversely, Hobart home values fell 0.7 percent, Canberra prices dipped 0.2 percent and Melbourne declined by 0.1 percent.
Mr Lawless noted that house prices across Australia continued to rise faster than apartments. The price gap is now at a new record high of 45.2 percent. House values across the capital cities lifted by 0.5 percent in January, equivalent to about $4,800 in value, while apartments lifted 0.1 percent, or about $900 in value. “Since the commencement of the upswing, capital city house values have surged 11 percent higher while unit values are up 6.9 percent,” Mr Lawless said. “It seems that most Australians are willing to pay a higher premium than ever for a detached home.”
Sales volumes remain elevated, with CoreLogic estimating 115,241 dwellings were sold over the three months ending January, which was 11.9 percent higher than the same time last year. “Despite ongoing cost of living pressures, high interest rates, low consumer sentiment and affordability constraints, homes are still selling, Mr Lawless said. “Housing demand has been buoyed by high migration, but also tight rental markets that have probably incentivised renters to transition towards home ownership if they can afford to do so.”
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A Name Steeped in History, A Home Built for the Future. Timeless architecture, premium residences, and an exceptional Inner West location come together at Maybelle. With construction nearing completion, buyers can move into their brand-new home by the end of the year and purchase with confidence, knowing their home is backed by 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance.
3 min
Almost a century before construction began, two sisters unknowingly inspired one of Sydney’s newest residential addresses.
Local landowner and developer John Henry Schroeder combined his daughters’ names, Isobel and May, to create Ismay Avenue, a street name that has become part of the area’s identity, still visible today in Ismay Reserve. The Maybelle borrows that story rather than inventing one. It takes its name from Isobel and May, drawing a direct line between the development and the history sitting right outside its front door.
More than simply another apartment building, it reflects a vision of creating homes that honour the past while looking confidently to the future.
Developed and built by Omaya, a family-owned company with more than 35 years of experience, The Maybelle reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, quality and creating communities that stand the test of time.
Located beside Ismay Reserve, the boutique collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences combines timeless architecture by Squillace Architects, premium interiors and exclusive resident amenities within one of Sydney’s most connected Inner West locations.
Location is one of The Maybelle’s defining strengths, residents are moments from train stations, bus services and the M4 Motorway.
Positioned just moments from North Strathfield, Bakehouse Quarter, Sydney Olympic Park, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, residents enjoy the perfect balance of green open space, vibrant local amenity and exceptional connectivity.
Surrounded by cafés, restaurants, leading public and private schools, shopping and parklands, The Maybelle offers a lifestyle where everything is within easy reach.
Designed to embrace its unique park-side setting, many residences enjoy expansive balconies overlooking Ismay Reserve, while selected homes capture elevated views across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline.
Spacious open-plan layouts, premium fixtures and finishes, and two carefully curated interior schemes create homes that are both beautifully refined and designed for everyday living.
The lifestyle extends well beyond each apartment. Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a full-level Garden Pavilion on Level 8, featuring beautifully landscaped spaces for entertaining, recreation, remote working and gathering with family, friends and neighbours.
Complementing this is the elevated Sky Terrace on Level 14, where sweeping Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline views create a tranquil setting to relax, recharge and enjoy the remarkable outlook.
As both developer and builder, Omaya oversees every stage of the project – from planning through to construction – ensuring quality, accountability and meticulous attention to detail throughout.
Buyers can also purchase with confidence, knowing The Maybelle is protected by 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance, providing additional peace of mind long after settlement.
With construction nearing completion, buyers will be moving into their brand-new homes by the end of the year, offering a rare opportunity to secure a premium residence without the lengthy wait often associated with off-the-plan developments.
For those seeking more than just a new apartment, The Maybelle offers something increasingly rare – a home with an authentic story, a genuine connection to its surroundings and a lifestyle that brings together heritage, nature, connectivity and contemporary design in one exceptional address.
Now selling premium one, two and three-bedroom residences. To learn more or book a private appointment, visit www.themaybelle.com.au or call 1300 066 292.
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